What kiss scene? Gladiator II director Ridley Scott claimed Denzel Washington was lying when the actor recently accused producers of cutting a scene of his character, Macrinus, kissing a man on the lips during the highly anticipated film — which hits theaters on Friday,

As Gladiator 2 nears its release, director Ridley Scott and actor Denzel Washington addressed reports of a deleted same-s*x kiss scene, clarifying its absence from the final cut. Cast members Connie Nielsen and producer Michael Pruss also discussed the film’s edits and their impact on the story.

Gladiator II’ director Ridley Scott said a same-sex kiss featuring Denzel Washington wasn’t cut from the movie after Washington said producers ‘got chicken’ and ‘cut it out’

According to TMZ, an insider on the Ridley Scott-directed movie says the kiss was cut because it was not in the script. They say Washington shot the scene several times, adding improvised elements each time. The kiss was an improvisation on his part.

Macrinus shared a same-sex smooch on screen in Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2, but Denzel Washington says it got cut

Washington also walked back his original comments, noting that it was a "peck" and that the scene "really is much ado about nothing"

Director Ridley Scott has refuted Denzel Washington's claim that he filmed a same-sex kiss but it was cut from Gladiator II. The Oscar-winning actor hit headlines last week when he revealed during an interview that he "kissed a guy full on the lips" for a scene in Scott's action epic but it was cut from the final movie.

Gladiator II' director Sir Ridley Scott has claimed Denzel Washington's same-sex kiss in the movie "didn't happen", insisting it was only "acted out".